For the third time this year, Cabrini downed District 10-4A rival Ursuline. And similar to their most recent matchup, which required overtime to settle, this one was also close, with Cabrini hanging on for a 49-46 road win.

“It’s like no other game,” said Cabrini’s sophomore forward Kyla Williams, who led the scoring attack with 15 points. “Because they always beat us… in everything.”

Ursuline had its chances to grab a victory Tuesday night, grabbing a late 42-40 lead on a 3-pointer from dynamic junior Jenna Deemer. But Williams had a crucial putback after grabbing an offensive rebound, and freshman Rakell Spencer iced the game by draining her final four free throws after hitting just two of her first 10.

“The score should have been totally different because of the free throws we missed,” Spencer said.

Cabrini shot a dismal 11-for-28 from the line, but still led for most of the game due, in large part, to the height advantage of Williams and Spencer.

“We were able to get the ball down low because they had mismatches on us,” Spencer said. “Nobody could really guard me on the post, so we were focusing on getting the ball to the post and not worrying about outside shots.”

Aside from a pair of 3-pointers by sophomore Erin Temple, nearly all of Cabrini’s baskets from the field came in the paint.

Although Spencer struggled from the field, shooting 4-of-19, she managed to score 14 points to go along with 14 rebounds.

For Ursuline, Deemer is its catalyst, and needed to have a big game for her team to have a chance. And though she led all scorers with 17, she missed several shots with under a minute remaining that would have given the Lions a lead. She also turned the ball over with less than 10 seconds left and Ursuline down a point.

Cabrini’s defense jammed Deemer hard on the perimeter, although she freed herself enough to drain three 3-pointers.

“She’s going to get her points, but you have to wear her out,” Williams said. “They have to be hard points.”

At one point in the middle of the third quarter, Deemer and Williams both went hard for a loose ball, locked arms in frustration and had to be separated by the referee.

“I really don’t know (what happened),” Spencer said. “It always happens, two good players… emotions… I just have to control my emotions.”

Ursuline had another golden opportunity to take a late lead when speedy freshman Asaunti Allen stole a Cabrini pass, and, with 3-on-1 advantage in transition, attempted a wild runner and was called for a charge.

Aside from Deemer, Allen, who finished with 13 points, was Ursuline’s only other viable offensive option.